14 Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes, Flies and Other Pests

The most beautiful way to keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden… and almost all of them are edible too!

The following 14 common garden plants are both aesthetically and aromatically appealing to humans, while sending mosquitoes and other pesky bugs “running” for the hills.

Most of them are edible and/or medicinal.

Plant them near your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. Some of them can also be rubbed directly onto your skin or added into a homemade spray repellent.

1. Lavender

The aroma of lavender may be pleasant and relaxing to humans, but mosquitoes can’t stand it. If you’re going out for a walk in the evening, rub the plant onto your skin to release the oils.

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2. Beebalm

Beebalm, or horsemint, gives off a strong odor that confuses and prevents mosquitoes from smelling us. Meanwhile it attracts butterflies and bees. It’s also delicious and medicinal.

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3. Pennyroyal

These beautiful purple flowers are so effective in repelling mosquitoes that some people crush their leaves and keep them in their pockets.

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4. Basil

Adding basil to your garden can serve as more than a delicious addition to your Italian dinner.

You don’t need to rub this one on your skin like lavender. The scent is so strong, all you need to do is plant it around your windows and doors to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

5. Mint

Mint is another herb that’s super handy to have around for culinary and medicinal purposes, while simultaneously driving pesky bugs crazy.

Mint basically tends itself, so it requires essentially no work to grow. Just brush up against it from time to time to release its scent into the air.